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IN   THREE    ACTS, 


THE  ENCHANTRESS. 


AS    FIRST    PERFORMED    AT    THE 


THEATRE  ROYAL,  DRURY  LANE, 


WEDNESDAY,    MAY    14th,    1845. 


THE     MUSIC     COMPOSED     EXPRESSLY    FOR     THAT     THEATRE, 

BY    M.    W.    B  A  L  F  E. 

THE    LIBRETTO    WRITTEN   BY 

M.  D.  ST.  GEORGES  &  MR.  BUNN. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

KING  &  BAIRD,  PRINTERS,  9  SANSOM  ST. 

1852. 


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LlBRffl  OP  THE  BEffiSHIKE  mtUM. 


•application. 


Ji  Idu  itnb  ODiiginal  ®^eni, 


I  N   T  H  K  E  K    ACTS, 


THE  ENCHANTRESS. 


AS    FIRST    PERFORMED    AT    THE 


THEATRE  ROYAL,  DRURY  LANE, 


WEDNESDAY,    MAY    1  4  T  ii,    1  S  4  5. 


THE     MUSIC     C  0  M  P  OS  RI\',h:  >'  P  r;b;0S>L  -ij   ;'j'0  rt^^t  »?  A'T,    THEATRE, 

BY    M.    W.    B  A  L  F  E. 

THE    LIBRETTO    WRITTEN    BY 

M.  D.  ST.  GEORGES  &  MR.  BUNN. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

KING  &  BAIRD,  PKINTEKS,  9  SANSOM  ST. 

1852. 


CHARACTERS   IN   THE   OPERA,    CHESTNUT   STREET. 


{First  Minister) 


Duke  d'Aquila 

Galfeas   . 

Seneschal 

Chief  of  the  Senate 

Don  Sylvio 

Doctor  Mathanasius 

Kamir  {disguised  as  the  Hermit  "  F7-a 

Chief  of  the  Assassins  , 

Joah       .  .  {a  Peasant) 

First  Officer 

Second  Officer 

First  Pirate 

Second  Pirate 

Third  Pirate 

First  Peasant 

Second  Peasant 


Antonio 


Stella 


{the  "  Enchantress  ") 


Mr.  Kay. 
Mr.  Mason. 
Mr.  G.  Lingard. 
Mr.  Lomas. 
Mr.  Hudson. 
Mr.  Thayer. 
Mr.  Mayer. 
Mr.  Bradley. 
Mr.  Thomas. 
Mr.  Roberts. 
Mr.  Hall. 
Mr.  Hunt. 
Mr.  Gore. 
Mr.  Denham. 
Mr.  Vanhorn. 
Mr.  Frank. 

Mad'e  Thillon. 


Nobles,  Ladies,  Magistrates,  Senators,  Officers,   Heralds,    Pursui- 
vants, Royal  Guards,  Pages,  Esquires,  Soldiers,  Pirates, 
Gipsies,  Greek  Slaves,  Citizens,  Peasants, 
Servants,  Masqueraders, 
Assassins,  &c.  &c. 


M21273 


THE    ENCHANTRESS. 


ACT     I .       ■ 

Scene  I. — The  Hermitage  of  "  Our  Lady  of  the  IFoof/.s," 
situated  on  a  lofty  mountain  of  the  Ahruzzi,  near  Chietti,  the 
approach  to  which  is  hy  steps  cut  in  the  rocks — it  commands 
a  picturesque  view,  hounded  hy  forests  and  high  mountains  in 
the  horizon — on  the  o.  P.  the  statute  of  "  Our  Lady,"  near 
lohich  a  lamp  is  hurning. 

As  the  curtain  rises,  a  religious  chant  is  heard  in  the  valley, 
which  gradually  increases  as  the  procession  of  the  Itogation  is 
seen  ascending  the  steps  leading  to  the  Hermitage — young  Girls 
and  Youths  carrying  wreaths  of  flowers,  which  they  pdace  at 
the  feet  of  the  statue,  lohile  some  Peasants  ring  the  Hermit's 
hell.  Enter  Fra  Antonio,  the  Hermit,  07i  whose  appearance 
they  all  kneel,  and  he  gives  them  his  hlessing. 

CHORUS. 

{Heard first  in  the  distance,  then  on  the  stage.) 
Bend  before  high  Heaven  the  knee 
In  faith  and  in  humility  ! 
Pray  that  the  parch'd  and  barren  ground 
With  plenty  may  once  more  abound ; 
And  now  where  drought  and  want  appal 
Its  dews  may  bountifully  fall. 
Lift  up  on  high  this  solemn  strain, 
Where  sorrow  never  pleads  in  vain  ! 

Fra.  Ant.  Doubt  not  your  prayers  will  be  heard. 


0  THE    ENCHANTRESS. 

CHORUS  [animated.) 

Blest  be  the  holy  man,  whose  word 
Hath  told  us  that  our  prayer  is  heard ; 
Blest  be  the  Hermit,  iu  whose  cell  •• 

All  that  are  good  and  pious  dwell ; 
Blest  be  the  Hermit,  from  whose  home 
Things  that  are  also  good,  do  come  ! 
For  body  and  soul  all  cheer 
\  <'  ;  Ic  sui-e  to  be  met  with  here  ! 

During    the    Chorum,  Mathanasius    has  been  seen 
;   si/  ;  r' :    a--ic<udin(;  the  rocks,  and  cit  its  termination  he  enters. 

Math.  I  come  to  inqxiire  after  my  young  friend,  Sj'lvio. 

Fra  Ant.  Ah  !  the  brave  and  noble  youth  brought  up  by  you. 

Math.  I  can't  answer  for  his  nobility,  because  his  family  is  equally 
unknown  to  eitlier  of  us — but  he's  too  bi"ave  by  half — riding  from  morn- 
ing till  night  all  over  these  mountains,  on  a  wild  sort  of  a  horse,  at  the 
risk  of  breaking  his  neck  every  ten  minutes. 

Fra  Ant.  Heaven  will  protect  him. 

First  Pea.  Provided  he  does  not  fall  in  with  the  Enchantress  of  Saint 
Michael. 

All.    Woe  be  to  the  Enchantress.' 

First  Pea.  She  never  makes  her  appearance,  but  misfortunes  are  sure 
to  follow — hail,  and  thunder,  and  floods ! 

3Iath.  Oh  !  you've  an  Enchantress  among  ye,  have  ye  !  what  a  lucky 
set  of  people — I  never  met  with  one,  exceptin  my  books,  audi  should  have 
no  objection  to  make  such  acquaintance,  if  she's  of  real  flesh  and  blood 
— but  who  is  this  strange  creature  ? 

Fra  Ant.    I  will  tell  you  what  they  relate  of  her  in  these  parts  : 

BALLAD. 

She  is  seen  when  the  vapours  of  morn  arise, 

When  the  dews  of  even  fell — 
When  the  moonbeams  break  through  the  cloudy  skies, 

And  shine  on  the  cloister's  wall ; 
When  earth  is  troubled,  or  thick  the  air, 
The  sorrow  to  some 
On  many  may  come. 
For  the  Sorceress  then  is  dwelling  there  ! 

Chorus. 

When  earth  is  troubled,  or  thick  the  air, 

The  sorrow  to  some 

On  many  may  come. 
For  the  Sorceress  then  is  dwcllinjx  there  ! 


THE    ENCHANTRESS.  7 

SECOND    VERSE. 

SIic  is  seen  on  the  loftiest  mountain's  brow, 

In  caves  of  the  hollow  rock, 
Which  mortal  footsteps  do  never  plough, 

And  mortal  approach  which  mock ; 
When  earth  is  troubled,  or  thick  the  air, 
The  sorrow  to  some 
On  many  may  come, 
For  the  Sorceress  then  is  dwelling  there  ! 

Chorus,  {irpcatcd.) 
AYhen  earth  is  troubled,  or  thick  the  air,  &c. 

[Mathanasius  seems  stupificd — at  tJu's  mumcnt  a  sJwt 
is  heard  in  (he  vallci/. 

First  Pea.  What  means  tliat  sound  ? 

\_AU.  riishinfj  vp  to  hack. 
Math,  [exclaiming)  A  liorse  kjiocked  down  on  the  brink  of  the  j^reci- 
pice,  and  its  inder  perhajis  killed.     Run — run. 

\_Tlicy  all  run  out  in  a  hodi/,  foiloici'd  %  Mathanasius,  except 
Fra  Antonio,  tvho  claps  his  hands,  and  three  men,  dressed  in 
black  appear  at  his  bidding. 
Fra  Ant.  Who  fired? 
Man.  I! 

Fra  Ant.  Who  commanded  thee  ? 
Man.  One  who  commands  us  all. 

Fra  Ant.    Good — they  are  coming  back — disappear — but  be  not  far 
off. 

[The  three  men  conceal  themselves  amongst  the  rocks,  and 
Mathanasius  returns  supporting  Sylvio  in  his  arms, 
surrounded  by  the  Peasants,  running  about  in  great  dis- 
order. 

[Sylvio,  loho  has  only  hccn  stunned  hi/  llic  fall,  gradually/ 
recovers. 
Sglvio.    Thanks,  thanks,  my  good  Mathanasius. 
.i/ath.     What  has  befallen  thee  ? 
ISglvio.     Let  me  ti'y  and  recollect. 

AIR  AND  CHORUS. 

As  borne  on  my  unruly  steed, 

As  fleet  as  foot  could  go, 
I  reached  yon  mountain's  ridge  with  speed, 

And  saw  the  gulph  below  ; 
While  standing  near  me,  unamazed. 

When  aid  I  sought  to  win, 
A  L'pirit  witnessed,  as  she  gazed. 

The  danger  I  was  in. 


8  THE    ENCHANTRESS. 

As  in  licr  smile,  where  beauty  played, 

She  bade  me  place  my  trust, 
A  ball  from  yonder  coppice  laid 

My  courser  in  the  dust. 
That  form,  though  oft  at  distance  seen, 

I  never  met  before, 
Or  all  my  heart's  delight  had  been 

Its  image  to  adore  ! 

31<if]i.       Describe  her  look — 

Sj/lvio  As  soft  and  light 

As  morning's  dew  of  silvery  white — • 
Her  form  is  bound  by  scarf  of  red. 
And  veil  of  gold  adorns  her  head — 
While  'neath  its  texture  far  more  fine, 
The  brightest  eyes  on  earth  do  shine  ! 

CHORUS  OF  PEASANTS. 

'Tis  she  !  'tis  she  !  whose  witch's  hand 
Has  desolated  all  the  land, 
Death  to  the  Sorceress — hasten  and  trace 
The  spot  accursed  of  her  hiding  place  ! 

S//lvio.     Stop  !  she's  the  angel  of  life  to  me — 

Chorus.    In  her  the  angel  of  death  we  see — 
Rush  over  thicket,  climb  up  the  hill. 
Where  fire  can  burn,  or  weapon  can  kill. 

Silvio,     (with  energy)  If  ye've  the  courage  of  men,  forbear, 
Nor  seek  the  life  of  a  being  so  fair. 

Chorus,     Follow,  follow,  heed  not  him. 

Find  out  the  Sorceress,  scatter  each  limb 
Over  the  earth  she  has  laid  so  bare. 
And  let  her  of  those  who  would  till  it,  beware  ! 
Repulsing  Sylvio,  and  rnsJiwg  out  among  the  mountains. 

Fra  Ant.  [Restraining  Svlvio)  Calm  yourself,  my  son,  they  will  not 
find  her  whom  they  seek. 

Sylvio.     How  so  ? 

Fra  Ant.   Why,  if  she  be  a  Sorceress,  she'll  easily  escape  their  blows. 

Sylvio.  I  have  no  faith  in  any  good  or  evil  spirits,  which  are  only 
to  be  met  with  in  the  musty  books  of  the  library  of  our  old  ruined  tower, 
and  my  worthy  pastor  has  tried  all  his  alchemy  in  vain,  to  find  out 
the  secret  of  my  birth. 

Math.     The  fact  is,  good  Hermit,  that  is  an  extraordinary  history  : 


THE    ENCHANTRESS.  9 

One  night,  fibout  eighteen  years  ago,  I  had  just  landed  in  your  fine 
kingdom  of  Naples,  when  a  knocking  was  heard  at  the  door  of  the  fisher- 
man's hut,  where  I  was  to  pass  tlie  night— I  ran  to  open  it,  when  a 
man,  dressed  in  black,  and  endowed  with  a  most  villainous  countenance, 
placed  in  my  hands  a  very  large  purse,  and  a  very  little  baby,  saying 
in  a  terrible  voice.  ''Go  into  the  Abruzzi  mountains — take  possession 
of  the  old  Castle  of  St.  Michael — it  is  thine — carry  this  child  with  thee 
— one  day,  perchance,  thou  may'st  be  happy  and  rich."  I  did  as  I  was 
bid. 

St/lvio.  (lauffhiiiij)  We  are  certainly  happy,  but  it  would  puzzle  any 
one  to  be  poorer  than  we  are. 

3fath.  Since  you  doubt  all  prodigies,  I  have  a  great  mind  to  attempt 
a  litte  bit  of  conjuration,  just  to  convince  you  of  your  folly. 

Sylvio.  If  I  can  but  see  this  Enchantress,  or  Sorceress,  as  they  call 
her,  the  sooner  you  begin,  the  better — and  if  you  succeed,  Iwill  believe 
—  so  commence  your  conjuration. 

3Iath.  Here  it  is,  in  this  wonderful  volume — "  The  Demoniomania," 
composed  for  the  benefit  of  all  classes  of  society,  desirous  of  giving 
themselves  up  to — the  gentleman  iu  black. 

Opens  the  book. 

Chant. 

Math.     In  Lucifer's  uame,  and  that  of  his  crew, 

Spirit  of  evil  appear  to  our  view  ! 

List  to  a  challenge  more  fitting  by  far 

Goblin,  or  fairy,  or  sunbeam,  or  star, 
Come  hither,  come  I 
^ijJvlo.  Oh  pry'thee  come  ! 

Fra  Ant.     Be  silent  I  behold  o'er  the  darkened  sky. 

Where  the  thunder  rolls,  and  lightnings  fly  ! 
Oh  do  not  come  ! 
^Loud  thunder  heard — indication  of  a  storm. 

3Iath.  In  Belzebub's  name 

Thy  presence  I  claim. 

Fra  Ant.  By  the  spell  of  fear 

Which  prevaileth  here — 
Mdfh.  Appear  !  appear  ! 

Fra  Ant.  Do  not  appear ! 

( The  lightning  suddenly  flashes,  and  Stella  appears  at  the  back 
of  the  Hermitage,  she  is  dressed  in  a  picturesque  and  brilliant 
manner,  and  her  head  is  covered  with  a  black  veil,  studded  with 
gold  stars  ;  Fb.a  A-NTOHIa  falls  ori  his  knees  terrified  ;  Matha- 
»  NASius  lets  the  book  fall  out  of  his  hand,  and  Sylvio  gazes  on 

the  Sorceress  with  delight. 


10 


THE   ENCHANTRESS. 


RECITATIVE.— Stella. 

To  the  regions  of  earth, 
Whence  I  sprung,  at  my  birth, 

Your  call  was  conveyed — ■ 
From  the  realms  of  the  air, 
For  I  also  dwell  there — 

That  call  I  obey'd. 

AIR. 

I've  love  spells  for  the  young  coquette, 

And  charms  for  her  who's  jealous  too; 
For  lovers,  secrets  which  they  yet 

Ne'er  read  in  fondest  billet-doux. 
In  me  all  spirits,  good  or  bad, 

Their  trust  repose,  and  love  me  well. 
For  I,  with  beings  light  or  sad. 

The  regions  people  where  they  dwell. 

ENSEMBLE. 


Fra  Anf. 
Oh  what  a  fearful  sight, 
It  doth  the  soul  aflPright, 
That  one  whom  guilt  so  dyes. 
Should  have  such  lovely  eyes. 


Math,  and  S//lvio. 
Oh,  what  a  true  delight, 
To  find  on  such  a  site, 
One  in  whose  radiant  eyes 
Such  matchless  beauty  lies. 


Second  Verse. 
Stella.  If  I  possess  a  single  charm, 

Which  over  mortal  gaze  hath  sway, 
Beneath  it  is  some  hidden  harm. 
To  steal  such  happiness  away. 
Oh,  then,  mistrust  my  baneful  smile, 

My  love  is  a  deceitful  thing, 
AVhich,  for  a  moment,  may  beguile, 

But,  wanting  heart,  will  soon  take  wing. 

ENSEMBLE. 


Fj-a  Ant. 
Oh,  what  a  fearful  sight, 
It  doth  the  soul  affright, 
That  one  whom  guilt  so  dyes, 
Should  have  such  lovely  eyes, 


Math,  and  Sijlvio. 
Oh,  what  a  true  delight, 
To  find,  on  such  a  site, 
One  in  whose  radiant  eyes 
Such  matchless  beauty  lies. 


THE    ENCHANTRESS. 


11 


Fra  Ant.   {to  Stella)  Retire — 

Stella,  (smilinff)  And  is  this  how  you  receive  all  the  pretty  girls,  who 
pay  you  a  visit  ?     It  is  said  you  are  not  quite  so  stern  to  a  certain 
Jianina,  whom  you  shrive  at  night  in  preference  to  the  morning. 
Fra  Ant.  Vade  retro  Satanas. 

Stella.  In  the  first  place,  I  am  not  Satan,  and  in  the  next  place,  I 
came  because  you  called  me. 
Fra  Ant.  It  was  not  I. 
3Iath.  'Twas  I ! 
Stella.  So  much  the  worse. 
3raih.  Why  so  ? 

Stella.  Because  I  would  much  rather  it  had  been  that  young  cavalier. 

\j}ointing  to  Sylvio. 
S'/lvio.  Be  satisfied — it  was  at  my  request  the  doctor  exorcised  thee. 
Stella.  And  what  do  you  want  with  me  ? 
Sylvio.  To  thank  you  for  having  saved  my  life. 

Stella.  Do  you  know  why  I  did  so  ?     In  the  true  spirit  of  a  demon,  I 
saved  your  body  to  possess  your  soul. 

Si/lvio.  [e7iraptured)  No  matter !  body  and  soul  alike  are  thine. 
Math.  My  pupil  is  getting  on  too  fast — but  it  is  terrible  to  think  that 
such  a  bewitching  creature  should  be  exposed  to  any  danger  from  these 
brutes  of  peasants,  who  have  sworn  her  destruction. 
Sylvio.  Good  heavens  !     I  forgot !     Save  thyself. 
Stella.  I  am  well  aware  that  persons  are  in  pursuit  of  me,  and  bent 
on  my  life ;   but  I  await  them  and  their  muskets :  they  are  even  now 
climbing  the  steps  of  the  Hermitage,  and  will  instantly  be  here. 
Sylvio.   [advancing)  They  shall  kill  me  before  they  can  reach  thee. 
Stella.  Their  bullets  will  not  harm  me,  but  you;   and  if  I  consent  to 

fly  it  is  for  your  sake  alone 

Math.  They  are  here  (^pointiny  to  some  peasants  arriving.) 
Shall  I  not  see  you  again  ? 
Yes! 
When? 
To-night ! 
And  where  ? 
Stella.  In  a  dream. 

[Disappearing  by  the  steps  of  the  Hermitage,  and  making  a  myste- 
rious sign  to  Fra  Antonia,  just  as  a  body  of  armed  Peasants 
make  their  appearance. 
First  Pea.     There  she  is.     [Pointing  to  the  path  wAere  Stella  has  dis- 
appeared.) 

Sylvio.     Wretches,  commit  not  such  an  act  of  infamy.     [Knocking 
aside  their  muskets. ) 

Pea.     Of  justice!     Down  with  her!     Fire  on  the  sorceress ! 

\_Instantly  three  or  four  shots  are  fired  in  the  direction  which 
Stella  took. 
Sylvio.     Oh  heavens !  unhappy  creature — she  is  hit !     I  saw  her  dis- 
appear behind  a  rock. 

Pea.     Well  shot — there's  her  veil  falling  down  the  precipice — she's 
dead! 

All.     She's  dead ! 

\_AU  hurry  out  in  a  body  from  the  Hermitage,  tvhile  Sylvio,  zvho 
zvas  on  the  point  of  rushing  after  them,  staggers  and  falls  down 
on  one  of  the  seats. 


Sylvio. 
Stella. 
Sylvio. 
Stella. 
Sylvio. 


12  THE   ENCHANTRESS. 

Math,  [approaching  him  with  great  anxiety)  Good  heavens!  he  has 
swooned,  and  in  tliis  miserable  hole,  -with  no  one  to  help  him.  [Then 
addressing  Fka  Astomio,  he  exclaims)  I'll  run  for  an  elixir,  and  return 
instantly. 

\_Exit  Mathanasius. 

Fra  Ant.     [assuring  himself  that  no  one  sees  him)     The  moment  is 
favorable,   [he  povrs  a  few  drops  out  of  a  bottle  under  his  vest  into  a  rustic 
cup,  and  applies  them  to  Sylvio's  lips,  whose  head  falls  on  his  breast,  when 
suddenly  enter  Ncguez  and  Pacheco. 
JVug.     Is  he  dead  ? 
Fra  Ant.     [smiling)     Oh  no — only  asleep. 

[Fka  Antonio  touches  a  spring,  and  the  seat  on  which  Stlvio 
^s  sleeping,  descends  with  him  under  ground. 

JVug.     Where  is  he  goin^  ? 

Fra  Ant.     Into  the  cavern — such  is  Stella's  order. 
^'"ug.     Be  it  so.     [then  laughing)     A  good  voyage,  my  Lord,  we  shall 
meet  again  below  by  the  time  you  wake. 

Ramir.     [throwing  off  his  hermit's  disguise)     To  the  cavern  ! 
Nug.  and  Fac.     To  the  cavern ! 

[^All  three  going  off  hastily. 


Scene  II. — Tlie  Pirate's  Cavern,  to  which  a  staircase 
cut  in  the  rocks  leads — the  walls  are  decorated  with 
arms  of  every  description — at  the  hacky  a  door  concealed 
hya  tiger's  shin,  v;hich  serves  for  a  drapery — the  Cavern 
is  lighted  hy  an  opening  from  above,  through  which  a 
rich  moonlight  is  streaming. 

NuGUEz,  Sacripanti,  Forte  Bracchio,  Pacheco,  and  other 
Pirates  enter. 

CHORUS. 

Comrades  and  friends,  from  battle  and  strife 
Hither  we  come  for  a  calmer  life  ', 
An  altered  scene — for  we've  changed  our  berth 
From  the  sea,  to  the  centre  of  mother  earth. 
Wherein  is  treasured  the  wealth  we  possess, 
And  her  we  love  with  such  tenderness. 
Nuguez.     Who  saw  her  to  day  ? 


THE    ENCHANTRESS. 


13 


For.  Bra.  At  early  dawn 

I  watcliGd  her,  tripping  as  light  as  a  fawn, 
To  gather  simples,  our  wounds  to  heal ! 

Nugue.      Her  gentle  care  we  ever  feel — 

Devoted  to  Telles  we  vow'd  to  fulfil 
Her  murdered  father's  will. 

For. Bra.  )  We've  sworn  to  defend  her  with  heart  and  with  hand, 

and  all.  )  As  the  chief,  as  the  queen,  as  the  pride  of  our  band, 

Enter  Ramir,  having  tliroivn  off  his  Hcrmif  s  givise. 

Rnmir.  Listen !  having  sworn  to  live  and  die  for  Stella,  her  wishes 
and  caprices  have  thus  far  been  our  law ;  but  enraged  as  the  peasanti-y 
now  are  against  her,  unite  with  me  in  persuading  her  to  leave  the 
country. 

Nugue.     Should  she  refuse ! 

Pirate.     Implore  her. 

Nugue.     And  should  she  resist — 

Ramir.     Compel  her. 

Nugue.     Not  I,  for  one ! 

Another.     Nor  I ! 

Another.     Nor  I ! 

Ramir.     Well,  all  I  ask  you  is  to  speak  as  I  shall. 

Pirates.     All !  all ! 

Ramir.     Silence — here  she  is. 

CHORUS. 

Ever  be  happy  and  light  as  thou  art, 

Pride  of  the  pirate's  heart ! 

Long  be  thy  reign 

On  the  land,  o'er  the  main, 

By  the  glaive,  by  the  chart, 

Queen  of  the  pirate's  heart ! 

[  This  animated  chorus  breaJcs  out  on  the  appearance  of 
Stella,  who  enters  at  the  door  in  the  hack  ground  ; 
and,  as  she  descends  the  stage,  the  pirates  surround 
her,  some  hissing  with  joy  her  hands,  v)hich  she  holds 
out  to  them,  others  hneeling  hcfore  her,  holding  her 
gown,  or  trying  even  to  touch  her  garments. 

Stella.  Ramir,  tliou  hast  played  thy  part  of  hermit  well,  a  hard 
task  for  a  good  pirate,  and  I  am  satisfied  with  thee,     [giving  him  her  hand. 

Ramir.  That's  more  than  I  am  with  you — your  hardy  excursions 
may  lead  to  ruin,  and  from  this  moment  I  beseech  you  to  remain 
amongst  us. 

Stella.     I  refuse  your  request. 

Ramir.     To  save  your  life  we  will  compel  you. 

All.     Yes,  compel  you ! 

3 


14  THE    ENCHANTRESS. 

Stella,  [energetically)  And  -which  of  you  will  dare?  Am  I  not 
queen  and  sovereign  mistress  here  ? 

Pirates.     Yes. 

Stella.  And  have  I  not  the  sole  right  to  issue  orders  and  impose 
laws  ? 

Ramir.     But  if — ■ 

Stella.  Be  silent !  Have  you  forgotten  that  my  father  made  me  your 
chief?     And  have  you  not  all  sworn  eternal  obedience  to  me? 

Pirates.     Yes,  all. 

Stella.  Then  hear  me,  all.  Do  not  imagine  that  the  mere  whim  of  a 
young  girl  has  made  me  enact  the  fantastical  character  of  sorceress, 
hut  know  that  if  I  consent  to  live  amongst  ye,  a  sacred  vow  imposes 
such  duty  on  me,  to  accomplish  the  task  marked  out  for  me  by  my 
father  ;  without  you,  I  know  I  can  do  nothing,  but  with  you  I  can  com- 
plete my  arduous  undertaking.  Choose  then,  blind  obedience,  and  I 
remain  with  you — resistance  to  my  will,  and  I  leave  you  for  ever. 

For  Bra.  We'd  die  first !— command,  order,  and  to  the  last  man  we'll 
perish  to  serve  you. 

Stella.  Ramir,  do  you,  who  are  alone  in  my  secret,  refuse  to  follow 
me? 

Ramir.  Forgive  me  !  [falling  on  one  knee.)  One  day,  perhaps,  you 
will  know  me  better — order,  and  I  obey. 

Pacheco.  [entering)  The  stranger  who  descended  into  the  cavern, 
seems  about  to  wake. 

Stella.  There's  not  a  moment  to  lose  ! — transport  him  into  the  fairy 
grotto  of  this  subterranean  palace,  where  you  have  collected  for  me  all 
the  world's  treasures,  to  make  it  an  enchanted  abode. 

Ramir.     [aside  to  Stella)  But  should  this  youth  recognize  you  ? 

Stella.  Did  I  not  tell  him  he  should  see  me  again  in  a  di*eam,  and 
for  that  purpose  did  you  not  throw  him  into  a  profound  sleep,  by  my 
orders  ?  It  is  by  the  illusions  we  are  about  to  present  to  him,  sur- 
rounded as  I  shall  be  by  the  young  slaves  you  brought  hither  to  aid 
me,  and  who  are  now  become  my  friends,  I  hope  to  point  out  to  him 
the  line  of  conduct  he  is  to  follow,  and  to  commence  the  fulfilment 
towards  him  of  my  father's  wish. 

Ramir.     [aside  to  Stella)  But  are  you  not  aware  he  loves  you  ? 

Stella,  [haughtily)  I  am  very  well  aware  that  /  ought  never  to  love 
him  :  but  hear  my  final  orders.  Nuguez,  do  you  repair  to  the  Marquis 
de  Monte  Fior,  secretary  at  war  to  the  Regent  of  Sicily,  and  ask  him 
for  a  captain's  commission,  he  will  refuse  you ;  but  leave  twenty 
thousand  piastres  on  his  desk,  and  you  will  bring  the  commission  away 
with  you.  You,  Pacheco,  purchase  the  handsomest  house  in  Palermo, 
and  have  engraven  on  its  door,  "  Tlie  Palace  of  Don  Sylvio."  The 
rest  await  me  at  Catana,  while  1  repair  to  the  fairy  grotto. 

CHORUS.   {Repeated.) 
Ever  be  liappy  and  light  as  tliou  art, 
Pride  of  the  pirate's  heart ! 
Long  be  thy  reign 
On  the  land,  o'er  tlie  main, 
By  the  glaive,  by  the  chart, 
Queen  of  the  pirate's  heart  I 


THE    ENCHANTRESS. 


15 


Scene  III. — A  Vast  Grotto,  Imng  round  with  flmccrs  and  the 
richest  stvffs — -from  the  ceiling  are  suspended  crystal  chan- 
deliers of  all  colours,  emitting  sheaves  of  flame,  which  light 
up  this  volupttioiis  temple.  Immense  amher  screens,  worked 
in  gold,  enclose  the  further  end  of  the  Grotto.  The  riches  of 
Europe  and  Asia  appear  to  have  Lecn  collected  together 
in  this  strange  abode,  the  ground  of  which  is  covered  with 
a  magnificent  Turhey  carpet. 

On  a  Greek  hcd  of  silver  brocade,  Sylvio  is  lying  still  sleeping 
■ — a  celestial  inusic  is  played — ivhen  Sylvio  awaJces  by 
degrees,  and  the  folloioing  chorus  is  heard : — 

CHORUS. 

Divinities  to  whom  the  wave 

Existence  gave  ! 
Ye  who  from  sparkling  flame 

To  being  came  ! 
Ye  who  to  bounteous  earth 

Do  owe  your  birth  ! 
Come  hither  and  answer  the  call 
Of  one  who  is  queen  of  ye  all  ! 

Sylvio.   {opening  his  eyes) 

CAVATINA. — Introduction. 

What  spot  is  this  ? — And  what  unearthly  sound 
Breathes  such  a  charm  of  soft  delight  around  ? 
Oh  if  each  sense  be  bound  not  in  a  dream^ 
On  mortal  gaze  such  light  ne'er  yet  did  beam ! 

AIR. 

When  this  enchantment  I  behold  ! 

These  halls  so  bright  that  are — 
The  tablets  of  my  heart  unfold 

Some  scenes  more  lovely  far  : 
Though  lost  for  ever  now  is  she 

Who  gave  them  such  a  grace, 
Yet  only  one,  like  her,  can  be 

The  spirit  of  this  place. 


16  THE   ENCIIANTEESS. 

It  is  not  that  I  hope  to  find, 

Though  earth  were  traversed  o'er^, 
A  being  of  that  perfect  kind 

Which  met  my  sight  before  : 
But  some  resemblance  there  might  be 

For  memory  to  trace, 
If  once  mine  aching  eyes  could  sec 

The  spirit  of  this  place. 

CHORUS  {rcjjcated.) 

Divinities  to  whom,  &c. 

\_At  the  termination  of  this  Romance,  the  hack  of  the 
Grotto  opens,  and  Stella  appears  on  a  brilliant 
throne,  surrounded  hy  a  group  of  young  heautiful 
Greek  slaves — she  wears  a  light  hind  of  costume  of 
gauze  of  rainhoio  blue  and  silver — on  her  head  is  a 
crown  of  stars,  and  a  iose  at  her  side — Sylvio  %Uters 
an  exclamation,  and  falls  at  her  feet. 

Sylvio.     You  heard  me,  then,  and  are  still  in  existence  ? 

Stella.  Undoubtedly,  since  you  see  me  here — besides,  did  I  not 
promise  I  would  appear  to  you  in  a  dream  ?     I  always  keep  my  word. 

Sylvio.     No,  no,  I  dream  not,  this  can  bo  no  illusion  ! 

[About  to  clasp  her  in  his  arms. 

Stella,  {retiriny)  Approach  me  not,  or  I  disappear  for  ever  from 
your  sight. 

Sylvio.  Is  it  to  cause  me  fresh  sorrow  that  you  appear  under  this 
brilliant  form  ? 

Stella.  As  to  form,  we  sorceresses  have  many  at  our  command,  and 
being  free  to  choose,  I  selected  the  handsomest. 

Sylvio.  AVell  hast  thou  chosen,  for  nothing  half  so  beautiful  was 
ever  seen  before  ;  and,  I  feel  I  would  rather  die  than  not  see  thee  again. 

Stella.  You  must  live — live  to  accomplish  your  destiny.  Before, 
however,  I  reveal  the  fate  which  awaits  you,  you  must  swear  to  obey 
me  in  every  respect. 

DUETT. 

Stella.  My  presence  still  in  calm  or  storm 

Shall  aid  to  thee  impart, 
And  learn,  that  if  I  change  my  form, 
I  never  change  my  heart ! 
Sylvio.         I  swear  obedience  by  the  love  I  feel. 
Stella.  Ne'er  from  thy  lip  such  word  again  must  steal. 

Sylvio.         And  why  ? 

Stella.  One  day  thou  all  shalt  know, 

Meanwhile  thou  must  ixnto  Palermo  gi^. 


THE    ENCHANTRESS. 


Sylvio.         I  will. 

Stella.  Unto  thy  palace  ! 

Sylvio.  What  (lost  thou  mean? 

Stella.  The  noblest  in  that  city  to  be  seen, 

There  a  commission  suited  to  thy  mind, 

Which  gives  thee  rank  of  captain,  thou  wilt  find. 
Sylvio.         Of  captain  ? 
Stella.  Yes,  and  three  months  hence  will  see 

Chieftain  and  general,  thy  rank  will  be. 
Sylvio.         What  dost  thou  say  ? 
Stella.  And  hence  from  four  months'  date. 

Behold  the  station  which  doth  thee  await. 
[Sylvio  turns  round,  and  from  the  centre  of  the  young 
slaves,  he  sees  one  of  them  advance,  presenting  him,  on 
a  cushion,  a  sceptre  and  a  royal  croion.'\ 
Sylvio.  hmhhing  his  eyes')  A  crown  ! 

Stella.  The  crown  of  Sicily's  before  thine  eyes. 

Sylvio.         My  mind  is  filled  with  strange  and  deep  surprise ! 

SOLO. 

The  crown  !  the  sceptre  !  which  before  me  beam, 

I  could  but  in  a  vision  see. 
Enchanting  creature,  be  the  rest  a  dream. 
If  thou,  art  but  reality. 

[^Falling  on  his  hnees  to  Stella.] 
This  is  no  dream — my  promises  recall, 
And  thou  shalt  find  that  I  will  keep  them  all. 
Angel  of  beauty  and  of  peace  the  same — 
Thy  guardian  angel  is  a  fitter  name  ! 
If  danger  threaten,  or  grief  you  fear. 
In  hour  of  sorrow  you  will  find  me  near : 
But  happy  once,  and  far  from  peril  free. 
Her  whom  you  gaze  on,  you  no  more  will  see. 
At  such  a  price  misfortune  be  my  lot. 
Bound  by  thy  spell  on  this  beguiling  spot. 
{ciside)  Too  much  of  this  !         {then  to  Sylvio.) 
Here  take  this  fragrant  rose, 
Its  perfume  to  thy  heart  will  bring  repose — 
And  if  thou  should'st  not  lose  it,  it  will  be 
A  charm  for  ever  to  remember  ni":^ ! 


Stella. 

Sylvio. 
Stella. 


Sylvio. 


Stella. 


18  THE   ENCHANTRESS. 

[Sylvio  presses  the  rose  to  his  heart  and  then  to  his  lips 
— ichen  suddenly  his  eyes  become  dim,  and,  his  limbs 
tremble — Stella  cjraccfidly  leads  him  to  the  seat  on 
which  he  had  been  lyin<j,  and  he  sinks  into  a  jyrofound 
sleep- — Stella  regards  him  for  a  moment  with  a  lively 
;'.•  emotion,  and  then  sings  the  opening  motive  of  the 

duett. 

My  presence  still  in  calm  or  storm 

Shall  aid  to  thee  impart, 
And  learn,  that  if  I  change  my  form, 
I  never  change  my  heart  ! 
\_0n  a  motion  from  Stella  the  pirates  enter  on  all  sides. 

Stella,     {pointing  to  Sylvio  asleep.  To  Palermo  ! 
Ramir.     (aside,  and  placing  his  hand  on  his  dagger.)  She  loves  him  I — 
and  I  was  not  deceived. 

\_The pirates  surround  Sylvio,  the  Greek  slaves  range  themselves 
around  Stella,  and  the  curtain  falls  on  this  tableau. 


END    OF    ACT    I. 


THE    ENCHANTRESS. 


19 


ACT    II. 

Scene  I. — A  tent  of  an  encampment  near  the  sea,  in  the  plains 
of  Alicant. 


D.  Pedro. — \st  Officer.  Gentlemen,  here's  the  health  of  the 
bravest  officer  in  the  Kegent's  army,  Colonel  Sjlvio. 

All.  Colonel  Sylvio. 

Si/lvio.  I  may  be  more  fortunate  than  others,  bnt  cannot  be  braver. 

2d.  Officer.  Whence  conies  all  thy  good  fortune  ? 

Si/lcio.  As  I  am  sure  my  friends  will  not  repeat  it  to  the  Inquisi- 
tion, I  may  as  well  let  you  into  the  secret,  that  your  comrade.  Col. 
Sylvio,  is  bewitched. 

All.  By  the  devil  ? 

Si/lvio.  No — by  an  angel,  who,  for  the  last  three  months  has  led 
me  by  the  hand  to  glory  and  good  fortune. 

D.  llEK.—2d  Officer.  Ilast  seen  her? 

Si/lvio.  Yes ;  I  liave  seen  her — in  a  dream. 

D.  Her. — 2cl  Officer.  No  matter,  our  friend  has  had  a  delightful 
dream,  in  three  months  Captain  and  Colonel !  !  AVe  should  all  like 
to  have  the  same  kind  cf  dreams. 

[Theij  hear  tJie  morning  call  beat,  and  all  exeunt  except  Sylvio. 

Sylvio.  My  whole  life's  a  mystery — and  whether  far  or  near,  some 
kind  genius  watches  over,  and  protects  me. 

Matlianasius  {entering  and  hearing  these  last  words)  What,  you're 
caught  at  last,  are  ye?  you  do  then  believe  in  supernatural  beings  ? 

Sylvio.  How  can  I  do  otherwise,  my  dear  doctor  ?  and  goic  to 
question  me  respecting  this  change  of  fortune,  which  goti  can't  com- 
prehend any  more  than  I  can. 

3Iat.  Comprehend  !  I  should  like  to  know  who  can  ?  a  stranger 
comes  and  tells  me  you  are  waiting  for  me  at  Palermo,  when  I  left 
you  for  dead  on  a  mountain  in  Abruzzi.  I  set  ofl",  and  on  my  arri- 
val, find  you  as  sound  asleep  as  if  nothing  had  happened. 

Sylvio.  Then  a  Captain's  commission,  and  in  two  months  after, 
the  rank  of  Colonel  sent  me  by  the  Kegent  of  Sicily  ;  but  I  rather 
suspect  my  faith  in  my  guardian  angel  is  in  danger  of  being  broken  : 
in  three  months  I  was  to  be  made  "  General" — the  third  month  ex- 
pires this  very  day,  in  a  few  minutes,  and  I  am  only  Colonel. 
A)i  Officer  Enters. 

A  messenger  with  despatches  from  the  Regent. 

[Exit. 
A  Page  enters  and  respectfully  jyresents  a  se  (led  dispatch  to 
•     Sylvio,  wJio  seems  stupijied. 

Sylvio.  (Joohing  at  the  Page — breaking  the  seal,  and  unfolding 


20  THE    ENCHANTRESS. 

iTie  commission  of  a  General)  My  doubts  vrere  premature,  {almost 
beside  hitnself  to  Mathanasius)  I  am  General !  the  Regent  gives  me 
this  step  for  service  rendered  to  the  army — the  Sorceress  has  kept 
her  word  again — but  good  heavens,  doctor,  {looking  fixedly  on  the 
Paije)  is  this  an  ilhision  ? — look  at  that  youth,  do  you  trace  no  resem- 
blance to  any  one  ? 

Mat.     Yes,  he's  the  image  of  the  apothecary's  boy  at  St.  Michael. 

Sijlvio.     Absurd,   [agitated.)  Those  loved  features — those  bright 

and  eloquent  eyes  recall [to  the  Page)  My  good  youth,  pray  tell 

me  who  you  are? 

Page.  One  of  the  Regent's  Page?,  who  has  obtained  his  prince's 
leave  to  bring  you  this  commission,  to  have  an  opportunity  of  serv- 
ing under  your  banner,  general. 

Mat.  Here's  a  pretty  devil  of  a  warrior  for  you, — a  terrible  affair 
for  the  Neapolitans. 

Stella.  More  terrible  than  you  seem  to  imagine,  and  I'd  advise  you 
to  keep  a  respectful  distance  from  my  sword. 

Mat.     What  a  regular  fire  brand — he'll  settle  all  our  enemies. 

Stella.  Oh,  as  to  your  enemies,  there's  only  one  I  am  afraid  of, 
and  I'll  tell  you  who  that  is. 

soNa. 

A  youthful  knight,  whose  hopes  were  bent 

On  glory's  high  career, 
Arrayed  himself,  and  forth  he  went, 

A  dauntless  cavalier  ! 
Against  each  foe,  upon  each  field, 

He  bore  a  gallant  part ; 
But  there  was  one  who  would  not  yield, 

And  that  was — woman's  heart. 

The  noble  youth,  still  undismayed, 

Determined  not  to  flee — 
Though  if  the  truth  be  told,  afraid 

That  he  might  vanquished  be  : 
Oh  never  be  it  said,  he  cried, 

I  bore  a  recreant  part ; 
And  fighting  still  for  what  he  sighed. 

He  captured  woman's  heart. 

Si/lvio.  {in  amazement)  'Tis  strange — even  that  very  voice, 
though  somewhat  of  a  more  manly  tone,  resounds  in  my  heart  like 
a  distant  echo  of  her's  I  so  much  love. 

Mat.     I  say,  youngster — what's  the  court  gossip  about  just  now? 

Page.  No  great  good,  I  fear — between  you  and  me — but  you  must 
not  betray  me — the  nobility,  as  well  as  the  people,  are  getting  tired 


THE   ENCHANTRESS. 


21 


or  our  Regent,  and  of  the  favors  he  bestows  on  his  worthless  parasite, 
the  infamous  Galeas. 

Mat.  That  Regent,  I  hear,  is  a  devil  of  a  fellow,  running  after 
all  the  g,irls,  wasting  the  people's  money  in  fetes  and  fooleries,  and 
selling  all  sorts  of  places  and  appointments  to  get  more. 

Si/lvio,  [pointiiKj  to  the  Page)  The  more  I  hear  him  speak,  the 
more  I  seem  to  have  heard  such  accents  before.  {To  Mathanasius) 
Do  you  know  any  voice  like  that  youth's? 

Mat.  It  sounds  very  like  that  of  Boniface,  the  young  butcher  boy  ; 
[joiifullji)  but  I  must  hasten  and  tell  them  all  of  your  further  ad- 
vancement. It  saves  a  great  deal  of  trouble  to  have  a  stepping-stone 
to  one's  saddle. 

YExit  Mathanasius. 

Sylvio.  The  doctor  has  taken  leave  of  his  senses  to  a  certainty,  and 
I  fear  I  shall  lose  mine. 

Page.  What  makes  my  general  look  so  melancholy  ? 

Sylvia.  I'll  tell  thee.  'The  fondest  and  most  delightful  recollections 
of  my  life  are  called  up  by  thy  presence,  and  the  more  I  gaze  on  thee, 
the  more  I  seem  to  trace  in  thee  the  adored  feature  of  a  girl • 

Page,  (^suddenly  stopping  him)  General,  permit  me  to  say  that 
amounts  almost  to  an  insult. 

Sylvio.  I  acknowledge  my  error ;  but  if  thou  wouldst  only  know 

• yet,  after  all,  thou  art  a  youth,  whose  heart  is  not  worn  out, 

like  that  of  my  old  doctor,  and  thou  can'st  understand  the  pangs  of 
love. 

Page.  You  love  her  then  fondly  ? 

Sylvio.  Love  her !  {impassionately)  as  man  ne'er  loved  before. 

Page,  {in  a  softened  tone)  I  believe  it  all,  and  feel  sure  you  are 
loved  in  return. 

Sylvio.  Good  heavens !  a  tear  ! — and  that  tender  look — answer  and 
deceive  me  no  longer — who  art  thou  ? 

Page.  I  have  already  told  you,  general,  I  am  but  a  simple  page; 
but  if  I  might  presume  to  give  you  advice,  it  is  in  your  power  to 
become  the  idol  of  the  soldiers,  and  the  people  as  well,  by  saving 
Sicily. 

Sylvio.  What  mean  you  ? 

Page.  Listen.  I  have  heard  by  chance,  that  in  a  few  hours  the 
fleet  which  landed  the  Neapolitans  on  the  shores  of  Sicily,  will  be  all 
on  fire,  and  by  falling  suddenly  on  them,  not  one  will  ever  return, 

Sylvio.  This  would  be  the  glory  of  the  army  and  myself  as  well, 
and  I  can  scarcely  believe  what  I  hear. 

Page.  A  few  minutes  more,  and  you  will  be  convinced. 

[Loitd  noise  outside,  and  Mathaxasius  runs  in  pale  and 
dismayed. 
Mat.  A  revolt  has  broken  out  in  the  camp,  and  the  soldiers,  insti- 
gated by  a  stranger,  refuse  to  obey  orders,  unless  they  are  paid 
their  arrears — the  old  go — no  pay,  no  fight. 
Sylvio.  And  who  is  this  stranger  ? 
Mat,  They're  bringing  the  fellow  this  way — here  he  is. 


2  THE   ENCHANTRESS. 

OJicer.  Behold  the  wretch,  who  basely  sought  to  excite  a 
mutiny. 

Sylvio.  Is  this  the  truth  ? — have  you  then  been  exciting  the 
troops  to  mutiny,  when  they  should  fight  ? 

Ramir.  Your  soldiers  are  in  the  right — if  you  would  make 
them  loyal,  give  them  their  hard  earned  pay. 

Pcuje.     (Aside  to  Ramir. "^    Wretch!    this  is  then  your  deed. 

Ram.  {^Pointing  to  Sylvio.'^  Impelled  by  vengeance,  the 
troops  through  me,  have  conspired  against  him. 

Page.     And  what  has  been  his  crime  ? 

Ram.  [Aside  to  Page.\  His  love  for  you.  A  crime  that 
will  never  be  pardoned  by  me. 

Sijlcio.  Comrades,  pause  a  moment,  this  very  night  glory 
again  will  crown  your  efforts.  In  honour's  name  seize  once 
more  your  colours  and  fight  with  him  who  fought  with  you 
before. 

Soldiers.     Gold  !  gold  !  our  due — our  pay. 

Sylvio.     The  cofi"ers  of  the  state  are  empty. 

Page.     But  youi'S  are  full. 

Si/lvio.     I've  not  a  coin  on  earth. 

Page.     Except  these  Ducats,  I  was  charged  to  bring  you. 

(Cji  a  sign  from  the  Page  the  curtains  from  the  tent  are 
loithdrawn,  and  four  men  enter,  carrying   two  coffers 
of  gold,  lohich  they  lay  at  Sylvio's  feet.) 
3Iat.     More  magic  still. 

Ram.     ^Twas  rumoured  the  state  had  no  more  means. 
Page.     This  is  our  own. 
Ram.     Our  gold  ? 

Page.  (Aside  to  Ramir.\  It  is  your  fault  that  they  re- 
belled, and  thus  through  you,  I  have  quelled  the  outbreak,  ful- 
filled my  father's  wishes,  helped  to  pile  fortune  and  glory  o'er 
his  path,  and  hope  to  raise  him  to  a  still  loftier  height. 

Sylvio.     Soldiers,  this  gold  is  yours — ^your  arms  are  mine. 
Page.     March  then  to  battle,  for  these  flames  reflected  from 
the  shore,  declare  the  fleet  of  Naples  is  destroyed. 

Ilere  the  reflection  of  the  Jlames  light  up  the  tent  through 
the  opening  of  the  curtains. 
Sylvio.     My  mind  is  perplexed,  this  is  some  new  marvel. 
Page.     In  this  emblem — find  an  explanation. 

\_Throwing  a  rose  at  Sylvio,  and  suddenly  disappearing. 


THE    ENCHANTRESS. 


23 


SijUio.  'Twas  she !  'twas  she !  the  web  she  weaved 
around  me,  has  charmed,  but  not  deceived  my  senses.  My 
honour  bids  me  follow  not  her  spell.    ( To  Soldiers.)    To  arms  ! 

Soldiers.  (Flourishing  their  tveapons.')  To  arms,  and  victory 
as  well ! 

CHOKUS. 

Down  with  the  tyrant,  whose  vile  yoke 

O'er  us  so  heavily  hath  weighed  ; 
Be  ev'ry  chain  of  bondage  broke 

By  hands  that  were  for  freedom  made  ! 

(^All  rush  out  following  Sylvio,  am iVZs<  the  heating  of 
drums,  the  firing  of  cannons  and  the  sound  of  martial 
music.) 

Scene  2d. —  The  Pavilion  of  31i/rtles — a  circidar  room  with 
doors,  R.  L.  and  0.  of  simple  grandeur,  decorated  loith  myrtles 
infullhloom,  various  subjects  2}Ciinted  on  all  the  panels.-— On 
the  R.,  a  table  with  a  rich  cover,  on  which  is  a  silver  bell,  and 
a  hammer  to  strike  it  with — it  is  lighted  by  a  crystal  globe, 
hanging  frow  the  arched  roof. 

^Galeas  enters,  mysteriously,  looking  about  on  all  sides, 
and  satisfying  himself  that  no  one  is  in  the p>avilion, 
he  gives  a  signal,  on  tcliich  six  assassins  make  their 
appearance  at  R.  door. 

Gal.  [to  them)  Lie  in  wait  near  the  pavilion,  and  when 
you  hear  this  bell  sound,  rush  in — you  will  find  two  men  here, 
one  of  whom  must  be  your  victim. 

\_Here  the  L.  door   mysteriously  ojmus,  and   Stella  ap)- 
pears,  unseen  by  either  GrALEAS,  or  the  six  assassins. 
Chief.  Assets.     Which  ? 

Gal.  [^perplexed  lohat  anstver  to  make-)  Which  ? — He  of  the 
two  who  has  neither  order,  or  insignia  of  honor  on  his  breast. 

[Stella,  loho  has  overheard  this,  closes  the  door  and  dis- 
appears. 
Chirf  Assas.     Be  it  so, — blood  for  gold, — that's  our  trade. 

The  Assassins  exeunt  by  the  door  as  they  entered. 
Gal.     The  Regent's  commands  are   obeyed, — now  he  may 
come — Ah  ! — here  he  is. 

\_Pointing  to  the  C.  door  by  uhich  the  Urgent  enters. 
Duke.     Well,  where  are  thy  men  i* 


24  THE   ENCHANTRESS. 

Gal.     They  are  there. 

Duke.  What  care  I  for  this  Pretender,  Don  Paul,  so  that  the 
army  be  for  me.  To-morrow,  Galeas,  my  coronation  takes  place, 
and  who  can  then  dispute  the  throne  with  me  ? 

Gal.  No  one  undoubtedly,  Sire — and  yet,  it  is  scarcely  to  be 
believed,  that  the  people,  though  twenty  years  have  now  passed, 
are  not  yet  persuaded  of  the  death  of  Don  Paul,  son  of  your 
kinsman,  Don  Pedro  the  first. 

Duke.  He  is  dead — but  enough  of  that,  let  us  talk  of  the 
beautiful  stranger,  who  some  time  since  made  the  singular  offer 
of  burning  the  Neapolitan  fleet,  in  exchange  for  the  commission 
of  a  Cleneral  for  that  child  of  fortune,  young  Sylvio  of  St. 
Michael. — I  would  give  half  my  kingdom  to  see  her  again. 

Gal.  The  more  so,  as  she  has  kept  her  word.  For  the  Nea- 
politan fleet  has  been  burned,  they  say,  by  a  pirate  vessel  gliding 
in  the  midst  of  their  ships. 

Duke.  You  can  easily  believe  then  that  my  love  for  this 
stranger  is  increased  by  my  gratitude. 

Gal.  Reserve  some  of  it  for  General  Sylvio,  who  falling  sud- 
denly upon  the  Neapolitans,  has  delivered  Sicily  of  them  for- 
ever. 

Duke.  Instead  of  gratitude,  I  feel  the  deadliest  hatred  for 
him;  for  that  stranger  is  perhaps  in  love  with  him,  of  which  I 
am  as  jealous,  as  of  his  renown. 

Courtiers  and  Guests  enter. 

Gal.     Your  highness,  the  fete  commences. 

Joyous  nmis'ic  i splayed,  and  a  Dirertissement  takes  place, 
ending  ivilh  a  hrilliant  ensemble  ;  the  courtiers  and 
masks  gradually  disappear  at  different  entrances,  the 
Duke  descends  from  his  throne,  and  advances  icith 
Galeas. 

Duke.  I  do  not  see  my  fair  unknown,  though  she  j^romiscd 
to  be  present  at  this  fete. 

Gal.  Bear  in  mind,  my  liege,  that  he  whom  you  expect, 
will  be  here  to  his  time. 

^Pointing  to  the  R.  door. 

Duke.  We  arc  proceeding  to  extremities — I  will  question 
him  myself,  and  if  he  hesitates  in  his  replies,— if  by  any  strange 
chance,  he — whom  T,  believe  to  be  dead,  for  the  last  twenty  years 
— should  come  to  life  in  his  person,  one  blow  on  this  bell,  rids 
me   of  him  forever  I — {taking  Galeas  hy  the  arm) — Hush  ! 


THE    ENCHANTRESS. 


25 


Listen  I  Didst  hear  auy  thing  at  that  door  ? — (poiuling  to  the 
L.  door.\ 

Gal.     I  may  as  well  make  certain. 

[iZe  clasps  his  dagger,  opens  the  door,  and  finds  himself 
face  to  face  loith  Stella,  who  aiipcars  wrapped  up)  in 
a  domino. 

Duke.     You  here,  madam  ? 

Stella,  iioith  a  tremhliug  voicc^  Your  pardon,  my  liege,  but, 
on  leaving  the  fete,  in  search  of  my  retinue,  I  have  lost  myself 
in  your  gardens, — and  thought  this  was  the  way  out, — I  crave 
leave  to  retire. 

Duke.     Stay,  madam,  stay. 

Withdraw,  and  I  will  answer  for  all. 

\_Exit  GaleAS,  1)1/  the  C.  dour. 

Duke.  I  am  grateful  for  any  occurrence  that  brings  me  once 
again  near  you,  of  whom  I  have  never  ceased  to  think  from  the 
Urst  moment  I  saw  you. 

Stella,  (coquettishltj)  It  is  your  gallantry  which  would  per- 
suade me  I  have  committed  no  indiscretion  in  entering  here — 
permit  me  to  retire  ? 

Duke.     Oh  !  stay,  fair  creature. 

Stella.     I  cannot — I  am  waited  for. 

Duke.     Some  lover  ? 

Stella.  Why  not  ?  if  I  meet  one  who's  just  suited  to  my 
mind. 

Duke.  Hear  me,  fair  unknown.  I  love  you.  I,  who,  to- 
morrow, will  be  King  of  Sicily. 

Stella.  That  threatening  air, — those  tones, — inspire  me 
with  fear,  instead  of  love. 

Duke,  [softening'^  Pardon  me, — to  think  another  should  pos- 
sess such  charms,  must  plead  my  excuse. 

Stella.  Another !  Be  sure,  my  liege,  I  am  not  worth  one 
thought  of  that  only  being,  I  can  ever  love. 

Duke.     And  tell  me  why  ? 

Stella.  His  rank  and  station  are  an  eternal  bar,  to  all  such 
prospects. 

Duke.  Love  knows  no  obstacles.  My  throne  and  sceptre,  I 
now  lay  before  you,  with  my  heart  and  hand. 

Stella.  I  refuse  them.  Your  rank  and  state  have  no  charms 
for  me  ;  in  those  attributes  I  see  only  a  lord  who  sways,  not  a 
lover  who  should  sue. 


26  THE   ENCHANTRESS. 

Duhe.  A  childish  notion — but  that  I  may  prove  how  much 
I  prize  each  wish  of  her  I  love,  these  idle  gewgaws  I  resign  at 
once,  to  show  my  power  cannot  equal  tlilne. 

[The  Duke  takes  off  the  orders  with  which  he  is  decorated, 
places  them  on  the  table,  and  falls  at  Stella's /ee^. 

Stella.     Thus  at  my  feet,  you  are  more  prized  by  me,  than 

were  you  surrounded  by  estate  or  grandeur. 

Duke.     Then  you  are  mine,  and  you  accept  this  hand. 

Stella,     (coquettishly)     That  we  shall  see  ! 

Duke.  Oh,  let  me  here  impart,  my  fondest  wish,  my  burn- 
ing passion. 

[77/e  Duke  has  risen,  seized  the  hand  of  Stella,  who 
escapes  from  him,  and  is  rushing  after  her,  ichen  the 
clock  strikes  eleven,  and  Sylvio  appears  at  the  door. 

Duke.     Heavens  !  he  here  !  and  I  not  alone  to  receive  him  ? 

Sylvio.  What  do  I  behold  ?  Gracious  Providence  !  my  fair 
unknown  I — this  time,  at  least,  she  shall  not  escape  me. 

Duke,  (to  Sylvio)  Rash  youth !  this  young  girl  is  under 
the  protection  of  the  Kegent  of  Sicily,  and  no  one  else  has  the 
riirht  so  to  address  her. 

o 

Sylvio.  It  is  to  her,  whose  power  is  only  surpassed  by  her 
beauty,  that  I  owe  every  thing  in  the  world  !  Besides,  she  gave 
me  a  rendezvous  here,  at  this  verj'  hour,  and  I  am  here  by  her 
orders. 

Duke.     It  is  not  she,  but  /  who  ordered  you  here. 

Sylvio.     (to  Stella)     Is  that  true  ? 

Stella.     It  is. 

Du/ce.  (^pointing  to  Stella)  And  if  the  lady  will  con- 
descend to  leave  us,  you  shall  know  the  object  of  this  meeting. 

Stella.  Why  so  much  mystery,  my  liege  ?  I  know  all  you 
are  about  to  say  to  him,  so  you  may  speak  without  any  fear  be- 
fore me. 

Duke.     I  cannot — the  safety  of  the  state  forbids. 

Stella.  Rather  say — your  oicn  !  I  will  say  what  you  are 
afraid  to  utter. 

Duke  and  Sylvio.     How? 

Stella.  Twenty  years  since,  Don  Pedro  the  First,  King  of 
Sicily,  died,  leaving  a  son,  Don  Paul,  heir  to  tliat  throne,  of 
which  the  grandees  of  the  kingdom  have  nominated  you — 
Rcireut. 


THE    ENCHANTRESS. 


27 


Dahe.     Be  silent,  madam  ! 

Stella.  I  will  speak,  and  will  proclaim  to  all  Sicily,  that 
instead  of  being  a  second  father,  and  a  protector  to  this  child, 
you  sought  to  be  his  executioner ;  that  you  entrusted  him  to 
mercenary  hands  to  take  away  his  life ;  that  saved  by  a  miracle, 
he  is  still  alive;  and  that  Don  Sylvio,  of  St.  Michael,  General  of 
the  Sicilian  army,  here  present,  is  that  very  Don  Paul  the  first 
sovereign  ruler  of  the  kingdom  of  Sicily,  to  whom  these  regal 
decorations  belong! 

\_Tahm(j  up  the  insignia  of  the   Regent  from  the  tahle, 
and  placing  them  on  the  shoulders  q/'DoN  Sylvio. 
Duke,     (enraged)     The  throne  is  mine,  and  this  pretender 
shall  never  ascend  it ! 

Stella.     What  shall  prevent  him? 
Diihe.     His  death  !   (striking  on  the  bell.) 

\_The  R.   door  immediately  flies  open,  and  the  assassins 
app)ear — they  hesitate  hut  for  a   moment,  then,  seeing 
the  Regent  without  any  decoration,  rush  upon  him — 
stah  him,  and  drag  him  off. 
Sylvio.     What  means  this  ? 
Stella.      Justice  !  for  he  would  have  assassinated  you ! ! ! 

[^Here   the  bells  of  Pedermo  are  heard  in  full  peal — 
shouts  and  the  firing  of  cannon,  and  full  rejeyicing — 
then  the  people  with  torches,  led  by  the  Pirates,  enter 
in  large  bodies — Stella  exclaims. 
Stella.    Behold  your  king  !  In  one  hour  you  shall  have  proofs, 
that  the  brave  Sylvio,  conqueror  of  the  Neapolitans,  and  chosen 
one  of  the  people,  is  the  son  of  Don  Pedi-o,  heir  to  the  throne ; 
and  rightful  King  of  Sicily. 
People.     Huzza  !         Huzza  ! 

Don  Paul  for  ever  ! 
\^The  flames  are  still  blafdng  at  the    Pcdace,  in  the 
distance.'] 

CHORUS. 

Honour  and  homage  to  our  king. 
Whose  reign  may  glory  bring ; 

And  long  may  Heaven  bless  the  sway 
Of  him,  by  us  adored, 
Of  him,  to  us  restored, 
On  this  auspicious  day. 


END    OF   ACT   II. 


28  THE    ENCHANTRESS. 


ACT      III. 

Scene  I. —  The  vcstllnde  of  an  inn^  situate  in  one  of  the  Fau- 
hou7'gs  of  Palermo — it  is  open  at  the  hack,  with  a  distant 
view  of  the  citi/. 

Enter  Ramir. 

RECITATIVE. 

Don  Paul,  some  moments  hence,  the  proudest  crown  will  wear 

Which  fate  bestows ! 
And  Stella,  loved,  and  loving  him,  that  diadem  will  share 

To  her  he  owes — 

AIR — Ramir. 

<'She  loves  him  !  o'er  that  youthful  form 

"  I've  watched  while  other's  slept — 
<' When  round  us  raged  the  wildest  storm 

"  That  watch  more  firmly  kept : 
"With  thoughts  which  neither  tongue  nor  pen 

<'  Have  ever  dared  avow, 
"  And  what  I  felt  as  brother  then, 

'<I  feel  as  lover  now. 

"  She  loves  him  !  that  absorbing  spell 

So  fond,  so  true,  so  deep, 
"Is  one  which  those  alone  can  tell, 

"  Who  smile  when  they  should  weep. 
"  That  smile  which  often  doth  bespeak 

"  A  happy  heart,  and  gay ; 
"  While  tears  upon  the  self  same  cheek 

"  Are  wasting  it  away. 

Ixam.  Here  are  our  men  coming,  whom  she  has  summoned  to 
this  lonely  inn — what  further  orders  has  she  to  give  them  ? 

[77te  Pirates,  lorapped  %ip  in  dark  cloaks,  here  enter 
mysteriously  at  each  side. 


THE    ENCHANTRESS. 


29 


(CHORUS  in  halftone.) 
Hither  we  come,  at  our  lady's  will, 
And  whether  iu  crowded  hall. 
By  lonely  inn,  or  ruin'd  wall. 
We  hear  that  chieftain's  call. 
Thither  we  go,  her  wish  to  fulfil. 

\_At  the  end  of  this  morceau,  Stella  enters,  enveloped  in 
a  cloak,  under  which  she  wears  an  elegant  Sicilian 
costume — (he  Pirates  all  imcover — Stella  advances 
in  the  midst  of  them. 

RECITATIVE. 

My  brave  companions,  who  so  oft  have  shared 
In  perils  past,  and  death  as  oft  have  dared 
For  me,  as  for  my  father — (for  by  you 
Fulfilled  is  now  the  task  he  had  in  view ; ) 
Dear  as  you  were  to  him,  you  ne'er  could  be 
More  loved  by  Telles  than  you  are  by  me. 

CHORUS  OF  PIRATES  [as  in  Act  I.) 

^Surrounding/  Stella,  and  affectionately  kissing  her 
hands  and  garments. 

Ever  be  happy,  and  light  as  thou  art, 

Pride  of  the  Pirate's  heart — 

Long  be  thy  reign 

On  the  land,  o'er  the  main. 

By  the  glaive,  by  the  chart, 

Queen  of  the  Pirate's  heart. 

SOLO.— Stella. 
My  task  is  ended,  and  again 
Return  we  to  the  boundless  main ; 
The  safest  place,  the  only  home 
Where  exile  hath  the  power  to  roam  ; 
Within  whose  unpolluted  breast 
He  takes,  unwatched,  his  final  rest. 

CHORUS   {repeated.) 

Stella.  Meet  me  all  to-night,  at  the  chapel  of  St.  Marie  Majeure, 
where  we  will  embark  to  join  our  vessel. 

Ram.  How  can  you  talk  of  going  hence,  when  Sicily's  King  will 
undoubtedly  offer  you  his  hand  and  throne  ? 

Stella,  {sorroii'fidly)  The  daughter  of  Juan  Telles,  can  never  be 
the  wife  of  Don  Paul. 

5 


30  THE   ENCHANTRESS. 

Ram.  But  your  father  was  the  Count  de  Santo  Major,  a  descen- 
dant of  one  of  the  most  illustrious  families  of  Spain — hut  persecuted, 
and  banished  from  his  country,  he  became  a  Pirate  under  the  name 
of  Telles,  to  revenge  himself  on  his  ungrateful  country. 

Stella,  [haughtily)  I  have  not  forgotten  that,  but  the  king  of 
Sicily  must  be  matched  more  brilliantly  than  with  the  now  obscure 
Stella. 

Main.  And  why  ? — You  love  him  ! 

Stella.  I  am  accountable  to  heaven  alone  for  my  feelings — I  may 
however  tell  you  that,  apprehensive  of  Don  Paul's  desire  to  detain 
me  near  him,  should  we  meet  again,  I  feared  to  take  him  the  de- 
claration of  the  deceased  minister  of  his  father,  which  constitutes  his 
right  to  the  throne,  and  wanting  which,  he  cannot  reign  this  day, 
and  I  therefore  entrusted  it  to  my  faithful  Nuguez,  Pacheco,  and 
Theobaldo,  the  three  bravest  and  most  devoted  of  our  band,  to  de- 
liver into  his  hands. 

Iiam.  They  must  use  all  dispatch  then,  for  the  people  have  al- 
ready began  to  look  upon  Sylvio  as  an  impostor,  and  unless  he  can 
prove  his  birth,  his  death  will  be  the  consequence. 

Stella.  Good  heavens  ! — Yet  I  have  no  doubt  that  Nuguez  has  e'er 
now  placed  this  authentic  document  in  the  Prince's  own  hands. 

[NuGUEZ  7'ushes  in,  pale  and  lileeiUng,  and  falls  at  the 
feet  of  Stella. 

Nug.  (^iii  a  dying  voice)  Par — don  !     par — don  ! — 

Stella.  Gracious  powers  ! — Nuguez  here  !  wounded  and  dying  ! 

[^Here  all  the  Pirates  surround  NuGUEZ,  and  siqyport 
him  in  their  arms. 

Stella.  Where  is  Pacheco  ? 

Nug.  Dead! 

Stella.  And  Theobaldo  ? 

Nug.  Three  balls  pierced  his  heart ! 

Stella.  And  thee,  wretched  man  ! 

Nug.  Wounded  in  the  breast,  they  left  me  for  dead  ;  and  with 
great  difficulty  I  dragged  myself  hither  to  tell  our  misfortune. 

All.  Speak !  speak. 

Nig.  That  paper  was  taken  from  me  in  an  infamous  ambuscade, 
planned  by  the  villain  Galfeas,  confidant  of  the  late  Regent. 

Stella.  Then  all  is  lost ! 

Nug.  Galoas  himself  robbed  me  of  it. 

Bam.  Galeas  ! — and  what  has  become  of  him  ? 

Nug.  He  re-entered  the  fortress,  at  the  foot  of  which  we  were 
attacked. 

Ham.  Which  fortress  has  not  surrendered,  and  is  still  in  the 
hands  of  the  Regent's  friends. 

Stella,  [despairingly)  All  is  over!  without  that  writing  Don  Paul 
will  be  treated  as  an  impostor,  deprived  of  his  throne,  and  his  life 
fall  a  sacrifice ! 

Ji'am.  Such  fate  awaits  him,  and  Galeas  has  too  surely  destroyed 
80  important  a  document. 


THE    ENCHANTRESS. 


31 


Stella.  01),  no,  Galeas  will  keep*  it  as  a  treasure,  for  it  will  fui*- 
nish  him  -with  a  claim  to  favor,  if  his  party  triumphs,  and  to  pardon, 
if  they  are  overthrown. 

All.  To  arms  I  to  arms  ! 

[NuGUEZ  is  home  ont  hy  a  Pirate,  who  returns. 

Ram,.  Impossible !  what  could  a  handful  of  men,  like  you,  do 
against  a  citadel,  well  defended?  this  writing  may  be  recovered,  but 
neither  by  force  nor  violence. 

Stella,  {anxiously)  How  then  ? 

Bam.  By  stratagem, — by  getting  at  Galeas,  and  seizing  it. 

Stella.  That  is  hopeless. 

Ram.  I  can  manage  it,  for  nature  has  endowed  me  with  the 
faculty  of  disguising  myself  beyond  the  possibility  of  detoctiou. 

Stella.  Do  that,  and  you  will  be  the  noblest  and  most  generous 
of  men. 

Ram.  {tailing  Stella  aside)  No,  the  fondest! 

Stella.  What  mean  you? 

Ram.  That  I  put  a  price  on  this  service,  for  I  risk  my  life  in 
doing  it,  and  to  save  Don  Paul !  1 

Stella.  And  what  price? 

Ram.  Your  hand  ! 

Stella.  My  hand  ? 

Ram.  Promise  to  bestow  it  on  me,  if  I  return  from  this  terrible 
expedition. 

Stella.  Wretch!  (aside)  Oh  \  torture  insupportable  !  to  belong  to 
one  who  is  odious  to  me,  or,  to  cause  the  death  of  one  whom  I 
adore — for  it  is  all  my  doing, — I,  it  was,  who  beguiled  him  from 
his  tranquil  solitude,  to  expose  him  to  this  fearful  position. 

Ram.  Decide — for  time  presses. 

Stella,  [tcith  emotion)  Take  pity  on  me  ! 

Ram.  Your  answer  ? 

Stella.  My  answer  !  {aside)  May  heaven  inspire  me  with  courage 
to  give  it,  for  it  affects  a  life  dearer  to  me  than  my  own  !  {pauses, 
then  turns  to  Ramir)  lleturn  with  that  document  which  has  been 
taken  from  us,  and  my  hand,  my  faith,  are  yours  ! 

Ram.  You  swear  it  ? 

Stella.  I  swear  it ! — one  word  more, 
to  execute  this  project  ? 

Ram.  Two  hours.    In  two  hours  I 
with  Don  Paul  in  the  King's  palace. 

Stella.  I  will  await  you  there,  for  I  shudder  to  think  of  the  dan- 
ger which  may  bef'al  the  Prince  in  that  brief  space  ! — begone  ! 
{then  turning  to  tlie  body  of  Pirates)  You  moot  me  at  the  Chapel  of 
St.  Mai'ie  Majeure  at  eight  to-night ! 

l^Exit  Stella. 

Ram.  {putting  on  a  monl-'s  dress)  Death  without  her— or  happi- 
ness with. 


What  time  do  you  require 
shall  either  bo  no  more,  or 


32  THE   ENCHANTRESS. 

CHORUS  ..(to  Ramir.) 

May  he  ■who  shields  not  freedom's  foes, 
Guide  well  thine  arm,  direct  thy  blows — 
And  hurl  them  at  that  recreant  slave 
Whose  soul  will  quail  to  one  so  brave  ! 

[Ramir  exits,  followed  hy  Pirates. 

Scene  II. —  The  King's  Cahinet  -in  the  Palace  of  Pa- 
lermo— on  the  O.  P.  side,  a  table  v:ith  v:riting  materi- 
als on  'it — 071  P.  S.  a  ivindoio  looking  out  on  the pahlic 
square — in  the  flats,  immense  doors  of  stained  glass, 
ojjening  on  an  extensive  gallery. 

Don  P.  At  length  the  destiny,  which  this  strange  and  lovely 
creature  promised  me,  is  about  to  be  accomplished — some  moments 
more,  and  I  shall  be  King  of  Sicily  !  {rises)  Still,  while  such  allot- 
ment would  crown  the  ambition  of  all  other  men,  it  conveys  a 
feeling  of  sorrow  to  me — for  those  melancholy  words  she  once  ad- 
dress'd  to  me,  perpetually  recur  to  my  memory : 

"  If  danger  threaten,  or  if  grief  you  fear, 

"  In  hour  of  sorrow,  you  will  find  me  near  ! 

"  But  happy  once,  and  far  from  peril  free, 

"  Her  whom  you  gaze  on,  you  no  more  will  see." 

[Mathanasius,  runs  in,  pale  and  out  of  breath. 
Mat.     All  is  over  with  us  ! 
Don  P.     Why,  what's  the  matter? 

Mat.  Why,  the  matter  is,  that  a  deputation  from  the 
Senate,  in  the  persons  of  three  black  looking  fellows,  is  coming 
here. 

Don  P.     For  what  ? 

3Iat.  For  what  ?  that's  cool  I — why,  to  declare  you  an  im- 
postor, to  give  you  up  to  justice,  and  to  hang  the  King  of 
Sicily,  as  they  would  the  worst  of  his  subjects. 

Don  P.  I  fear  nothing — what  my  protectress  promised,  she 
will  fulfil. 

Mat.  {beside  himself)  Your  protectress  is  an  intriguing 
devil,  who  only  made  you  king,  to  get  some  snug  places  out  of 
you  for  her  family — that's  all ! — 

Don  P.  I  am  delighted  to  hear  of  any  impending  danger, 
for  she  promised  never  to  leave  me,  but  in  prosperity,  and,  by 
your  account,  we  are  a  long  way  oflf  it. 

Mat.  We  can't  well  be  farther  I  and,  now  you're  in  a  hobble, 
you'll  see  no  more  of  her  ! 


THE   ENClIANTilESS. 


Don  P.      I  shall. 

Mat.     You  won't — mark  my  words  ! 

Don  P.  I  shall — behold  hor  here  !  (^with  an  c.rclarnation, 
iwinting  to  Stella,  who  »uddcnJi/  ajypcars  at  a  private  door.) 

Don  P.  [tcMdcrli/)  Do  I  again  behold  you  ?  my  heart  told 
me  you  had  not  quite  abandoned  me  ! 

3Iat.  {advancing  to  Stella)  Oh,  gallantry,  now,  is  all 
nonsense !  I  say  young  woman,  fairy,  hobgoblin,  angel,  devil, 
no  matter  what — of  course,  you  know  the  pretty  mess  we  are 
in,  and  I  look  to  you,  or  your  particular  friend,  Satan,  to  get 
^is  out  of  it ! 

Stella.  Alas !  I  have  never  possessed  that  supernatural 
power  you  attribute  to  me- — I  am  but  a  poor  girl,  bound  by 
the  solemn  vow  of  a  too  guilty  father,  to  repair  the  wrongs  he 
inflicted  on  you. 

Don  P.  Is  it  possible  ?  and  whence,  then,  those  wondrous 
illusions,  and  thine  unearthly  power  ? 

Stella.  All  that  had  but  one  object,  to  exalt  your  imagina- 
tion and  courage,  strengthening  you  to  undertake  the  glorious 
task  which  has  made  you  the  idol  of  the  people,  and  paved  your 
way  to  the  throne. 

3Iat.  {trcmhling)  We  shall  have  to  step  from  that  throne, 
as  you  call  it,  to  the  gallows  !  there  they  are !  {Joohing  towards 
D.  F.)  coming,  no  doubt,  to  clap  us  both  under  arrest ! 

Stella.  All  is  not  yet  lost — those  papers  may  be  your's,  but 
time  is  necessary,  and  should  our  project  succeed,  it  will  be  two 
hours  before  we  can  obtain  them  ! 

Mat.  [in  desjjcii)-)  Two  hours  !  why,  we  shall  be  hung  three 
times  a-piece,  long  before  that !  and  that  would  be  the  height  of 
inconvenience. 

E7iter  Lord  in  waiting. 
A  deputation    from    the    Senate,   waits   upon  your 


Lord. 
majesty. 
Stella. 
Don  P. 


[to  Don  Paul)  Who  are  these  men  ? 
Some   friends   of  the  late  Regent,  libertines  and 
sensualists  like  himself. 

Stella.  Just  as  it  should  be,  such  persons  readily  sacrifice 
duty  for  pleasure.  Order  a  sumptuous  repast,  and  leave  the 
rest  to  me.     [whispey-s  to  Mathanasius.) 

Mat.     Oh,  certainly,  if  there's  any  eating  going  on,  I  am 


your  man 


[_Exit  quickly  as  the  Three  Senators  ente/ 


84  THE    ENCHANTRESS. 

Sen.  The  people  now  assembled  in  the  square  of  the  Palace, 
murmur,  and  charge  you  with  fraud  and  imposture ;  the  Senate, 
therefore,  require  that,  within  an  hour,  Don  Paul  shall  sub- 
stantiate his  right  to  the  throne,  or  failing  to  do  so,  be  declared 
guilty  of  treason,  and  suffer  death  ! 

Don  P.  Be  it  so,  sirs,  an  hour  will  suffice  me  (looking  at 
Stella)  to  satisfy  the  people  and  Senate,  and  I  wish  that 
hour,  of  such  anxiety  to  all,  to  be  one  of  pleasure  to  us  ! 

\_Thc  Senators  appear  amazed  at  this  rephj^  v:lien  the 
King's  Pages  enter,  loith  refreshments^  richly  laid  out, 
preceded  hi/  MATnANASIUS. 

Senators.     What  may  this  mean  ? 

Do7i  P.  You  will  not  refuse  to  drink  to  the  health  of  your 
King,  for  I  still  am  so,  at  all  events,  for  an  hour. 

Stella,     [aside  to  Don  Paul)  Excellent ! 

Don  P.  Be  seated,  gentlemen,  Don  Paul  requests  you,  and 
your  King  commands  you  ! 

Pirst  Senator.  Be  it  so,  [turning  an  hour  glass,  v:hich 
stands  on  the  table)  but  when  the  last  grain  of  that  sand  shall 
fall,  like  the  moment  it  indicates,  into  the  abyss  of  time,  we 
shall  fulfil  our  duty,  and  either  salute  the  heir  of  Don  Pedro, 
or  conduct  a  traitor  to  the  scaffold. 

3Iat.     He's  taken  away  my  appetite  ! 

Stella.  A  banquet  is  not  complete  without  music,  and  that 
part  of  the  festivity,  I  will  take  upon  myself. 

\_All  seat  themselves,  excejjt  Stella,  who  stands  near  the 
table,  and  begins  the  folloxcing  song,  keeping  her  ei/cs 
fixed  on  the  hour-glass. 

SONG. 

Who  has  not  heard,  o'er  vale  and  hill. 

When  twilight  melts  away, 
The  nightingale's  melodious  thrill, 

Salute  the  waking  day  ? 
Tra,  la,  la,  la, 
Tra,  la,  la,  la. 
Each  note  of  that  enchanting  song, 

On  lip  of  echo  floats  along — 
The  jealous  thrush  alarmed  to  find 

A  rival  near,  will  then  repeat 


THE   ENCHANTRESS. 


35 


Those  tones  so  touching,  and  so  sweet, 
With  which,  iu  shade 
Of  yonder  glade, 
The  nightingale  entrusts  the  wind — 
Tra,  la,  la,  la, 
T^"a,  la,  la,  la. 
[Stella,  still  anxiously/  loatcliiag  the  hour-glass. 

KECITATIVE. 

Time  flies  on,  and  no  tidings  are  yet  heard  of  Ramir. 

Second  Verse. 
But,  soon  as  morn  has  thrown  its  light, 

Along  the  verdant  plain, 
The  songstress  waits  till  coming  night. 
To  swell  that  note  again — 
Tra,  la,  la,  la, 
Tra,  la,  la,  la. 
And  then,  till  dawn  once  more  draws  nigh, 

She  warbles  forth  her  melody; 
Its  music  falls  upon  the  ear 

Of  harmony,  the  sweetest  sound 
Whereby  our  mortal  sense  is  bound — 
And  is  the  known — 
The  only  tone. 
Which,  like  its  own,  love  sighs  to  hear ! 
Tra,  la,  la,  la, 
Tra,  la,  la,  la. 
Stella.  (asiV?e)     The  time  is  accomplished — the  papers  are 
not  recovered — and  all  is  lost. 

Senator.   hnshuA 
Enough — enough — our  honour  bids  us  take 
Those  steps,  which  scenes  of  such  enchantment  break  : 
The  time  is  passed,  and  we  fulfil  our  task, 
And  yield  to  justice  all  that  she  should  ask — 
Don  Paul,  we  wait — 
Stella,  (aside)  And  is  there,  then,  no  hope  ? 

I)o7i  P.  (to  Senators) 
Sirs,  I  am  ready. 

[_The  Senators  are  ahout  to  lead  o^' Don  Paul,  when  a 
Pirate  springs  into  the  room,  from  the  hackjwith  a 
pajier  in  his  hand,  tchich  he  gives  to  Stella. 


mm 


36  THE    ENCHANTRESS. 

Stella.  Stay,  my  lords,  and  salute  your  King — here  is  the 
proof  of  his  claim  to  the  throne. 

\_She  gives  the  sealed pa2)er  to  the  Cliief  of  the   Senate, 
and  turning  round  to  see  who  brought  it   to   her,  ex- 
claims, "  Gracious  Heavens  ! — it  is  not  Ramir  I" 
[TVte  Chief  of  the  Senate  breaks  the  seal  of  the  j^cper, 
and  to  a  piano  accompaniment  of  the  orcehstra,  reads 
these  words : 
We,  Don  Bartholombo,  formerly  First  Minister  of  the  Kingdom  of 
Sicily,  having  retired  to  an  obscure  solitude,  to  expiate  our  crimes,  and 
being  on  the  eve  of  quitting  this  life,  confess  before   Heaven,  to  have 
committed,  with  the  connivance   of  the  Regent,  the  enormous  sin  of 
entrusting  to  the  hands  of  the  jDirate,  Juan  Telles,  Don  Paul,  the  youth- 
ful heir  to  the  throne,  with  a  view  to  his  death  ;  but  having  since  as- 
certained in  this,  our  holy  retreat,  from  the  pirate  himself,  that,  touched 
with  pity  for  the  child,  he  had  spared  its  life,  and  had  it  secretly  brought 
up ;  we  swear,  by  our  hopes  of  salvation,  that  the  heir  to  the  throne  of 
Sicily,  is  Don  Sylvio,  of  St.  Michael — a  refugee  in  the  castle  so  called, 
situated  in  the  Abruzzi  mountains — and  we  entrust  this  authentic  docu- 
ment to  the  accomplice  of  our  crime,  Juan  Telles,  equally  repentant  as 
ourself,  that  he  may  use  every  possible  means  to  repair  the  wrong  we 
have  done.     Signed  at  Montenegro,  in  remission  of  our  sins — Fra  Bar- 
tholomeo. 

Sen.  {boiuing  ^vith  great  resp)ccf.)  My  lords,  with  such  testi- 
mony, the  signature  to  which  is  known  by  us  all,  let  us  render 
homage  to  the  son  of  our  late  sovereign — to  our  sovereign  him- 
self. 

Don  P.  (falling  in  transjjort  at  Stella's/^c?.)  It  is  to  you 
I  owe  my  throne  and  life, — but  I  will  never  accept  its  crown, 
unless  you  partake  it  with  me. 

Stella,  (greatly  agitated)  Sire, — in  mercy,  speak  not  to  me 
thus! 

Don  P.     IMy  love — my  faith — are  yours — 
Ram.   (suddenly  appeai-ing  on  the  other  side   of  Stella.) 
But  your  hand  is  mine  ! 

[Stella  turns  round,  and  utters  a  scream  of  terror  on 
seeing  him. 
Don  P.  {to  Stella.)  Say,  then,  you  will  be  mine. 
Stella,  [with  deep  emotion.)  Go,  Prince,  go,  and  receive  the 
homage  of  your  subjects, — in  a  few  moments  hence  you  shall 
have  my  answer. 

[_Here  the  Pages  open  the  great  doors  at  the  back,  and  the 
Senators  respectfully  advance  towards  Don  Paul. 
Chief     The  Senate,  sire,  await  your  pleasure. 


THE   ENCHANTRESS. 


37 


[Don  Paul  obliged  to  follow  them,  as  they  go  out,  leaves 
Stella  toith  a  struggle,  xcldle  she  makes  a  farewell 
signal  to  him. 

Mat.   (to  Attendants,  &c.,  and  drawing  himself  tip  witJi  an 
air  of  patronage.)  It  depends  entirely  how  you  behave  your- 
selves. [Exit. 
Stella  rapidly  sits  down  to  the  tahle,  and  writes  a  few 
toords. 
Ram.     At  the  risk  of  my  life,  I  made  my  way  into  the  pre- 
sence of  Galeas,  under  the  disguise  of  a  mendicant  monk,  and 
presenting  a  poignard  to  his  throat,  I  wrested  that  paper  from 
him,  and  sent  it  to  you  by  one  of  our  men,  while  I  staunched 
the  blood  that  was  streaming  from  my  wound. 
Stella.     You  are  wounded,  then? 

Ram.  In  escaping  from  the  citadel  a  shot  hit  me  in  the  arm ; 
I  have,  however,  kept  my  word — will  you  keep  yours  ? 

Stella.  Be  at  the  Chapel  of  St.  Marie  Majeure  on  the  sea- 
shore, at  eight  o'clock,  and  there  you  shall  find  your  bride. 

Ram.  (overjoyed.  \  Ah  !  then  I  shall  not  have  paid  too  dearly 
for  so  much  happiness. 

Stella.  I  ask  but  one  last  favour  of  you ; — here  are  a  few 
lines  for  the  King — I  entrust  them  to  your  honour — give  them 
into  Don  Paul's  own  hand,  and  mine  is  yours. 

[Gives  the  letter  to  E.AMIR — Stella  exhibits  signs  of  in- 
tense feeling,  and  instantly  hurries  off,  followed  by 
Kamir. 

Scene  III. —  The  sea-shore — on  the  0.  P.  side,  the  Chapel  of  St. 
Marie  3Iajeiire,  the  Gothic  portal  of  lohich  projects  on  the 
stage,  and  to  vihicli  several  steps  lead.  The  scene,  lohich  has 
a  solitary  and  melancholy  appearance,  is  lighted  by  a  bright 
moon  playing  on  the  leaves — a  long-boat  is  made  fast  to  the 
beach. 

[^The  Pirates  enter,  here  and  there,  rolling  in  casks  of 
spirits,  bales  of  merchandize,  &c.  &c.,  with  tohich  they 
load  the  boat,  and  make  other  preparations  for  their 
departure. 

CHORUS. 

Adieu  to  fair  Sicilia's  strand, 

Her  skies  of  azure  blue, 
A  brighter  spot — a  lovelier  land — 

The  wanderer  never  knew  ! 

G 


JUH 


PUBLISHER  AND  IMPORTER  OF  MUSIC 


ittusical  instruments,  ^r. 

WHOLESALE  AND  RETAIL. 
No.  196  Chestnut  Street,  below  8th,  Philadelphia. 

M.  SCHMITZ'S  MUSIC  STORE, 

IJO  MALXL'T  STKKKT,  THREE  DOOK.S  UELOW  FIKTII. 
Always  on  band  a  large  assortment  of 

OP  THE  BEST  Q,UALITY, 

uiiil  aisc]  an  a.v.siirtmcnl  uf 

MARTIN'S  CELEBRATED  GUITARS. 

OrU  r.^  taken  tor  Musical  Instruments  of  every  description. 

E.    N.     SCHERR, 

So.  2tii,  CIIESTM  T  ST., 

HAS  Ai-wAi  s  o:x  hano  a  l,arge  assortment 

or   HIS  v/;i:i    si  i'eridi; 

7    OCTAVE    PIANO-FORTES. 


CONRAD    MEYER, 

Inventor  and  Manufacturer  of  the  celebrated 

IROK  PLATE  FRAME  AND  REVERSED  TOP 

PIANO-FORTES. 

WAllEROU.M,  No.   'j-2  ^OlTll  FOURTH  ST. 

Tlie  following  Medals  liave  been  awarded  to  Conrad  Mejer,  viz: 

1843.  First  rremium  and  SILVER  MEDAL,  Franklin  Institute. 

184-5.  First  premium  and  SILVER  MEDAL,  Franklin  Institute. 

184(;.  First  Premium  and  SILVER  MEDAL,  Franklin  Institute. 

1847.  First  Premium  and  SILVP^R  MEDAL,  from  Mechanics' 
liistittUc,  l?oston. 

lS4'.i.  First  Premium  and  SILVER  MEDAL,  Franklin  Institute, 
I'eniisvlvania. 

184''i.  First  Premium  and  SILVER  MEDAL,  Franklin  Institute. 

18)0.  Diploma  and  MEDAL,  Mechanics'  Institute,  Boston. 
THE  VOICE  OF  THE  AVOKLD. 
■niE  P]!l/H   MKDAL  OF  THE  WORLD'.S  FAIR 

Awarded  to  Conrad  Meyer  for  his  two  Pianos. 

OCToItEK  l.'.Tii,  1S,-,1. 

Royal  Jury  on  Musical  Instruments. 
W.  .Sterndalc  LJennet,  London;         Sigismund  Thalberg,  London ; 


Hector  P.crloi/,  Paris: 
Sir  Henry  Bishop,  London  ; 
Dr.  Robert  Black,  Amei  ica  ; 
Dr.  Shafnault,  Munich,  (Jerniany 
Sir  George  Smart,  London. 


Dr.  AVylde,  do. 

Chevalier  Xewkom,  do. 

Professor  Fischof,  Vienna ; 
Cipriana  I'otter,  London ; 


i^mM 


,    oLOckton.  Calif. 

m.  IAN.  21.  1908 


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